Led by a hat-trick from livewire Fijian striker Roy Krishna, Waitakere United thrashed Otago United 5-0 to spark life into the ASB Premiership ahead of their trip to Auckland City on Sunday.
With City held to a second successive draw, City's lead over Waitakere and Canterbury United - 3-0 awaywinners over Waikato FC - has been trimmed to two points. The game City have in hand, over Hawkes Bay United, may yet hold real significance.
Auckland City had to come from a goal down to draw with Team Wellington at Newtown Park - but they needed less than a minute to do it.
Patrick Fleming stung the visitors with a snap shot from the edge of the area which gave goalkeeper Jacob Spoonley no chance as the home side claimed the 19th minute lead.
A minute later Johnny Raj muffed his attempted tackle as the ball fell to Manel Exposito who smartly levelled.
While there was no further scoring it was not for the want of trying. Play became quite testy with referee Mark Hester booking eight players as both teams searched for the match winner.
After their mini resurgence, Waikato were brought back to reality at Porritt Stadium. A goal down after seven minutes and two 16 minutes later as Russell Kamo slotted his second, there was no way back.
The points were made safe 11 minutes from time when skipper Aaron Clapham scored a stunner.
"You would have to go a long way to see a better goal," said Canterbury coach Keith Braithwaite later. "Overall it was a performance we could feel proud of. Three very, very good goals."
The remaining two games produced identical 5-0 scorelines as Waitakere bounced back from their dismal effort in Napier and the Hawkes Bay side continued their resurgence to wallop YoungHeart Manawatu with Tom Biss scoring three including two penalties.
Up front Krishna and Ryan de Vries were at their rampant best for Waitakere as they scored four of their team's goals.
Krishna needed less than 10 minutes to get the ball rolling when he simply ran through to score. After Liam Lockhart gifted Waitakere a second three minutes later with an own goal, Krishna grabbed his second in the 35th minute.
The home side continued their domination in the second half but it was not until the 75th minute they added their fourth with Krishna scoring his best with a deft turn-and-shoot effort and his fourth hat-trick at this level. Ten minutes from time de Vries was deservedly rewarded for his non-stop effort.
